In 2005, I was working at CASA, the College of Arts and Sciences Academic Advising Center, helping a young lady select classes for her first semester at UNCG. Every course I mentioned, regardless of the subject, seemed interesting to her. Having never worked with a student who was interested in everything, I asked her to explain. In December 2000, she suffered the loss of her memory. Not some of it — all of it. She did not recognize her parents, her siblings, her home, her high school, anything. She could play the piano, but could not remember taking lessons. She became my student, she became my friend, and she will graduate from UNCG this May.

Our relationship has reminded me frequently of the preciousness of memories. I have incredible memories of my life involving my faith, my family and my friends. For more than 35 years, those memories have also included UNCG. In this year that I have been honored to serve as your Alumni Association president, you have added to my storehouse of memories. I have traveled the state, attending alumni and “Meet the Chancellor” events, and everywhere I have gone, you have regaled me with your stories and your memories of UNCG/WC. It has been an honor and a pleasure to hear them, and I hope you pass them on to your family, your friends, your neighbors and your co-workers.

I said in my first letter to you that most all of our alumni love this institution, but we probably don't show it as well as we could. I asked you to help me change this, and I do believe we are beginning to see some fruits of that effort. However, we still have a long ways to go. I hope that you will continue to both talk about and wear UNCG proudly — we have all the memories we need to help us do so.

Jeff Colbert '84, '86 MPA is the president of the UNCG Alumni Association. In addition to earning his bachelor's and master's degrees at UNCG, he is a lecturer in the Department of Political Science.

Reunion attendees get to go back to school in a whole new way this year.

In addition to returning to campus and visiting old haunts, alumni will have a chance to add to their weekend with learning sessions.

The sessions, taught by current UNCG faculty and staff, will center on four themes: UNCG Green, UNCG Global, UNCG Generations and UNCG Giving. So, for example, you can take a look back at the past presidential campaign, explore modern problems of belief, talk about trends of the 21st century or learn what students are doing to carry on the service motto.

Don't worry, there still will be plenty of time for catching up with old classmates. And all the familiar trappings of Reunion — the tours, luncheons and class meetings — are very much a part of the experience.

To learn more about the April 17-18 Reunion, visit reunion.uncg.edu or contact the Alumni Relations Office at (336) 334-5696.

Joy Munns

Joy Munns '02, '04 MS, CPA, knows what it takes to stand out.

As a result, Joy, senior auditor of finance at Hanesbrands Inc., has been awarded the 2008 Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

The award, which is presented to UNCG alumni 40 and under, recognizes exceptional achievement and significant contribution to the recipient's profession, community or university.

A 2002 magna cum laude graduate in accounting and finance, Joy received a master's of science degree in accounting and finance in 2004. For her graduate work, she received the Academic Excellence Medal, which is given to graduate students at the Bryan School of Business and Economics who maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.9 or higher.

In addition, Joy was a recipient of the Kathleen P. and Joseph M. Bryan Scholarship as an undergraduate, and the Kathleen P. and Joseph M. Bryan Fellowship as a graduate student, both of which recognize exceptional academic ability and talent. As a graduate student, she also received the prestigious KPMG Fellowship, a testament to her future as a successful accounting professional.

While at UNCG, Joy co-chaired the first-ever Bryan School class gift campaign. She was also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the honor society for business students.

Since graduating, Joy has served as president-elect of the Bryan Alumni Association board and is the youngest alumna ever to serve on the Accounting Advisory Board, a group of professionals that advises the department head on the needs of the accounting industry and on curriculum development.

Joy is the president-elect of the Piedmont Chapter of the North Carolina Association of CPAs. She has also served as an ambassador for the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce.